Repeat buyers are one of the strongest measures of confidence in any apartment development.

At <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/era-newcastle-west-124-126-bull-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">ERA</a> in Newcastle West, some purchasers are returning to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> after living at the developer's One Apartments. Their decision to purchase again was driven by the quality of life they found after moving into their first GWH home.

Keith Wilton had spent years living in a house in East Maitland before deciding it was time for a change. Apartment living had always been on his radar, but he was selective about what he wanted.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FH_1EzB-1vs?si=XScVlP1ERsTDJoME" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

"I had some boxes I wanted to tick," he says.

Keith points to the open-plan design, generous outdoor areas and considered inclusions as key reasons One Apartments worked for him.

“One of those things was a nice indoor open plan area, but also I wanted a nice outdoor open area that I could entertain on in summer or Christmases or birthdays,” he says.

He also found value in the smaller details, from integrated appliances to shared resident spaces including the pool, cinema and rooftop areas.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356818]

After comparing several developments, he chose One Apartments because of GWH's longstanding local reputation and his own experience working with the developer on a commercial project more than a decade earlier.

"I knew that they were local, that the quality of the build was going to be up there. I'd looked at other apartment complexes around and close by, and I just knew that here was a better decision location wise."

Today, Keith says the move has completely changed how he experiences Newcastle.

"I enjoy living in this location because it's more of a lifestyle change. That Newcastle city living where you can walk to restaurants and bars and even beaches and parks and even shopping across the road."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356828]

Beyond the location, he says it's the sense of community that has surprised him most.

"Everyone loves living here because they chose to live here, but everyone looks out for each other. It's a real great community feel here."

For Aimee and Lyle Goodman, the journey started almost by chance.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tsioMLcnjas?si=zq-ys3JuWpfa5hFv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

The couple happened to be having coffee in Newcastle when they noticed the site where One Apartments was about to begin construction.

"We were aware GWH was planning a development," Aimee says. "We made one phone call and things moved pretty quickly after that."

As busy business owners, they initially thought apartment living would simply reduce the maintenance that came with larger homes. Instead, it fundamentally changed how they spent time together.

"We actually catch up more as a family now," Aimee says.

"We've had homes with big yards and lots of space, but everyone ended up in different rooms. Here we'll have dinner together, the kids can play, and we spend far more quality time together."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356829]

Lyle says their confidence came from GWH's reputation within Newcastle's building industry.

"I know people who've worked across different apartment projects, and whenever GWH came up the feedback was always the same. They're rock solid. They're quality."

That confidence only grew throughout the buying process.

"One of the things that really impressed us with GWH was the whole process, was the communication," Lyle says. "It was consistent, it was regular, there was no problem if we had some weird questions, there was no problems in getting answers."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351104]

Aimee says one moment stood out.

"The project actually finished on time. We realised we needed to hurry up and sell our house because everything was happening exactly when they said it would."

The positive experience at One Apartments ultimately gave all three buyers the confidence to purchase again with GWH, this time at ERA.

Their confidence reflects what many buyers are seeking in today's apartment market. Location remains important, but so too does certainty around delivery, quality and long-term liveability.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356822]

ERA builds on those foundations with 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two landmark towers in <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Newcastle West</a>.&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">Fender Katsalidis</a>, the project will include more than 2,000 square metres of resident amenities, including a resort-style pool, gym, sauna, private cinema and rooftop entertaining spaces overlooking the harbour and coastline.&nbsp;

The development is also within walking distance of the Newcastle Interchange, Honeysuckle, Darby Street, the harbour foreshore, restaurants, retail and the city’s beaches, continuing the walkable lifestyle that existing GWH buyers say has transformed how they live.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=356826]

For Keith, the appeal remains straightforward.

"You feel at home even before you've moved into your home."

For Aimee, the change is measured in time.

“I just felt like I had more time,” she says.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135096 project_image_fid=351102]

Construction at ERA is now underway, with more than half of the residences already sold and limited two and three-bedroom apartments remaining in the East Tower release. Priced from $980,000 for two-bedroom residences and $1.46 million for three-bedroom residences, buyers can secure an apartment with a 10 per cent deposit, with premium homes offering ocean views from Level 8 and harbour views from Level 10.

ERA is also backed by Resilience Insurance's 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, providing protection against structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years after completion. The project is anticipated to be completed in early 2028.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135096]

Joel Robinson

From ONE to ERA: Why buyers are choosing GWH again in Newcastle West

Virgate Property Group is preparing to commence construction of Verdé, its new apartment development in Melbourne's Arts Precinct at Southbank, following a strong run of sales that has seen more than half of the project's 173 apartments secured.

Verdé has attracted a broad mix of first home buyers, owner-occupiers upgrading from nearby inner-city suburbs and investors, with younger owner-occupier couples aged between 28 and 45 accounting for the strongest enquiry. Many are already living in Southbank, South Melbourne, Albert Park, Port Melbourne, South Yarra and the CBD.

"Verdé is located in one of the most desirable pockets of southern Melbourne," Blair Property Group Director Darren Blair, who is managing sales at Verdé, said.

"It's within walking distance of the Arts Centre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park Lake, and Southbank's restaurants and retail. It's a great lifestyle location with strong amenity and liveability, which made it a very attractive choice for the project."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372549]

Virgate was already familiar with the precinct, having previously delivered the successful Domain House development in neighbouring South Melbourne. That experience gave the developer confidence to acquire the Coventry Street site and continue expanding its presence in Melbourne's inner south.

"We had been keeping an eye on the site and the broader precinct for a few months before deciding to move forward with the acquisition," Virgate said.

The project was ultimately secured in 2020 following feasibility studies, planning assessments and due diligence, with the brief centred on delivering "a high-quality, considered design that feels both refined and fit for purpose."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=314259]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bruce-henderson-architects">Bruce Henderson Architects</a>, Verdé comprises 173 one, two and three-bedroom apartments priced from $599,000. The architecture is distinguished by a faceted glass façade that responds to both the site's outlook and Melbourne's changing light conditions.

According to Bruce Henderson Architects, the coloured glazing gives the building a distinctive identity while also providing privacy and solar shading, with residences oriented to capture views across the bay, city skyline and surrounding parklands.

Inside, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/designoffice">DesignOffice</a> has created interiors focused on natural light, efficient planning and enduring materials. Apartments feature engineered oak flooring, natural stone benchtops, floor-to-ceiling glazing and SMEG appliances, while a restrained material palette aims to complement the expansive outlooks rather than compete with them.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=4661 project_image_fid=372550]

Resident amenity has also been designed around everyday functionality rather than occasional use. Facilities include a concierge-serviced lobby, residents' lounge with fireplace, library and co-working space, gym, terrace garden with barbecue facilities, ground-floor café, and package delivery management.

The project's location continues to be one of its strongest drawcards. Positioned on Coventry Street, Verdé sits within walking distance of the National Gallery of Victoria, Arts Centre Melbourne, Royal Botanic Gardens and Albert Park Lake, while Southbank's dining precinct, Sturt Street trams and the new ANZAC Station are all nearby. The surrounding education catchment also includes Melbourne Grammar, Melbourne Girls Grammar, Mac.Robertson Girls' High School and several major university campuses.

The sales team says buyers have responded particularly well to the combination of location, design quality and long-term liveability.

"They're responding really positively to the quality of the design, premium resident amenities and the uninterrupted views. Many also appreciate the location and how connected it is to everything they need."

The ability to secure stamp duty savings before completion has also been a key factor for purchasers, alongside the opportunity to personalise finishes ahead of settlement.

With construction set to commence soon and more than half the apartments already sold, Verdé enters its next phase as one of the Arts Precinct's more established apartment developments, offering remaining buyers an opportunity to secure a residence before construction advances further. Expected completion is scheduled for late 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=4661]

Virgate's Verdé Southbank moves toward construction as sales fly past halfway stage

Downsizer-focused apartment development Kooyongkoot in Hawthorn has been recognised at the 2026 Better Future Melbourne Design Awards, taking home Gold and Silver awards in two categories.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kooyongkoot-hawthorn-1-kooyongkoot-road-hawthorn-vic-3122">Kooyongkoot</a>, currently being delivered by developer PQD and designed by Cera Stribley, received Gold in the Interior Design – Proposed category and Silver in the Architecture – Proposed category.

The dual recognition reflects the design approach behind the boutique development on prestigious Kooyongkoot Road, where the focus has been on creating homes for downsizers seeking the space, quality and functionality of a detached house within a low-rise apartment building.

Rather than maximising apartment numbers, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/pqd">PQD</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cera-stribley-architects">Cera Stribley</a> limited the development to just 18 residences, allowing for larger floorplans, greater privacy, generous landscaping and expansive communal spaces.&nbsp;The majority of the apartments also benefit from corner aspects, allowing for dual sources of natural light.

Now around 70 per cent complete and on track for completion in November 2026, Kooyongkoot will comprise a mix of garden residences, ter​race apartments, sub-penthouses, and is crowned by two half-floor penthouses with direct lift access and private rooftop terraces.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355297]

The Silver Award for Architecture recognised the way the building responds to its prominent corner position at the ent​rance to Hawthorn's Scotch Hill precinct, one of Melbourne's most established residential neighbourhoods.

Rather than competing with the grand homes that line Kooyongkoot Road, the architectural approach focused on restraint and longevity, using curved brickwork, generous landscaping and carefully considered proportions to integrate with the existing streetscape.

"The form feels fluid and timeless, as though shaped by the landscape itself – architecture that belongs, rather than competes," said Chris Stribley, Co-Founder and Managing Principal of Cera Stribley.

The judging submission also highlighted practical innovations throughout the building, including lift cores servicing only nine homes each, a central landscaped lightcourt designed to bring daylight and ventilation into the building, and fully enclosed private storage rooms with lighting, power and shelving to better accommodate residents transitioning from larger family homes.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355293]

The Gold Award for Interior Design recognised the project's focus on long-term liveability rather than display-home aesthetics.

According to the awards submission, the interiors were designed from the inside out, prioritising how homes would function over decades of daily use through generous proportions, practical storage, durable natural materials and flexible layouts.

The specification includes natural stone throughout, upgraded acoustic glazing, V-ZUG appliances and fully enclosed storage rooms, alongside an amenity offering focused on wellness, entertainment and everyday convenience.&nbsp;

Residents will have access to a gym and yoga studio, a wellness centre featuring traditional and infrared saunas, a cold therapy shower and treatment room, as well as a residents' lounge and golf simulator/cinema room for entertainment.&nbsp;Kooyongkoot has also considered the everyday convenience of its residents by offering a private carwash and pet wash facilities on site as well as dedicated parcel lockers and oversized fully enclosed storage rooms.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355303]

The project's attention to detail has already resonated with buyers. Earlier this year, Kooyongkoot recorded one of Boroondara's highest apartment sales when an $8 million penthouse was purchased by a Melbourne CEO downsizing from a nearby family home.

"Every detail feels deliberate, from the overall design down to the smallest touches," the purchaser said.

"The level of quality and refinement is exceptional, but what really sold it was how liveable it felt... It felt like a place where everything had been considered, not just a luxury building."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102717 project_image_fid=355304]

Sustainability also formed a key part of both award submissions. Kooyongkoot is targeting a minimum 7.5-star NatHERS rating across all residences, supported by passive design principles, high-performance glazing, EV charging infrastructure, water reuse systems and a wellness model focused on lower-energy dry facilities rather than pools and large wet areas.

Located within walking distance of Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College, Koo​yong Lawn Tennis Club, Aubur​n Village and Camberwell Junction, Kooyongkoot continues to target owner-occupiers looking to remain in Melbourne's inner east without compromising on space or quality. A limited selection of two, three and four-bedroom residences remains available, with prices starting from $1.9 million.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102717]

Kooyongkoot wins Gold and Silver at Better Future Melbourne Design Awards

New apartment supply has become increasingly constrained across <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/parramatta-nsw-2150">Parramatta</a> in recent years, with fewer projects progressing through to completion as development conditions have become more challenging.

It makes <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/novm">NOVM</a>'s 2021-completed <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/the-lennox-parramatta-12-phillip-street-parramatta-nsw-2150">The Lennox</a> one of the most recently completed residential towers on the Parramatta River, and among the newest apartment developments in Sydney's second CBD.

With the project largely completed before the sharp escalation in construction costs and inflation following the pandemic, The Lennox is now offering pricing that would be difficult to replicate in a comparable new development in Parramatta today, or across much of Western Sydney.

The majority of the 413 apartments at The Lennox sold before and shortly after completion. A limited release of the remaining apartments has recently been brought to market by capital partner <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/equitifund-group">Equitifund</a>, with entry-level pricing from $700,000 and two-bedroom apartments available from under $1 million.

Rising above the Parramatta River at 12 Phillip Street, The Lennox comprises one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments, appealing to first home buyers, young professionals, families, downsizers and interstate investors seeking a completed apartment in one of Australia's fastest-growing economic centres.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=372394]

Rather than positioning Parramatta as an alternative to Sydney's CBD, Equitifund believes the city has reached a point where it stands on its own merits.

"Parramatta is no longer simply an alternative to Sydney CBD, it's becoming a destination in its own right," Equitifund Executive Chairman Greg Huxley said.

"The Lennox captures that evolution with a level of quality and amenity that's difficult to match at its price point."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=953]

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/marchese-partners">Marchese Partners</a>, the tower responds directly to its riverfront setting through expansive glazing and open-plan layouts that maximise views across the Parramatta River and city skyline. Interiors feature engineered timber flooring, stone benchtops, stainless steel appliances and floor-to-ceiling glazing, while generous balconies extend the living spaces outdoors.

Marchese Partners says the project was conceived to balance high-quality apartment living with practical, long-term functionality, pairing larger, efficient floorplans with amenities more commonly associated with five-star hotels.

That emphasis continues through the resident facilities, which include a 20-metre rooftop swimming pool, fully equipped gym and wellness spaces, full-time concierge, a residents' lounge, function room, private lifts, secure basement parking and rooftop communal areas overlooking the Parramatta River. Ground-floor boardwalk retail and dining further activate the riverfront and integrate the building into the surrounding public realm.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=925]

Australian housing and finance group Equitifund has secured the remaining apartments, believing there are few completed apartment opportunities in Parramatta that offer the same combination of location, amenity and pricing.

Equitifund National Sales Director Ben Hamblett says buyers are increasingly recognising that premium apartment living no longer needs to come with Sydney CBD pricing.

"The Lennox is where aspirational living becomes attainable," Hamblett said.

"Wake to river and mountain views, step into Sydney's Second CBD, and arrive home to resort-calibre amenities, all without the harbour price tag."

Hamblett says owner-occupiers are also attracted by the convenience of having Westfield Parramatta, Church Street's dining precinct, Parramatta Park, Riverside Theatres, Western Sydney University and major transport connections all within walking distance.

"At The Lennox, lifestyle is not an afterthought, it is the foundation."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=5743 project_image_fid=5374]

The Lennox places residents within walking distance of Parramatta Square, Westfield Parramatta, Church Street Eat Street, Parramatta Station, the ferry wharf, Light Rail, the future Sydney Metro West, Parramatta Park and CommBank Stadium, reinforcing Parramatta's position as one of Australia's most connected metropolitan centres outside Sydney's CBD.

Equitifund says buyers visiting the display suite consistently comment on the quality of the finishes, generous floorplans, river and skyline views, and the walkability of the location. The project has attracted a broad mix of local professionals, upsizers, downsizers, buyers relocating from Sydney's inner suburbs and interstate investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.

That demand aligns with Parramatta's continued evolution as an economic powerhouse. Equitifund Research and Market Insights specialist John Bekiaris says sustained population growth, infrastructure investment and expanding employment opportunities continue to support long-term housing demand across the city.

"Parramatta has evolved from a satellite city into one of Australia's most important economic centres. Population growth, infrastructure investment and employment are all supporting sustained long-term housing demand."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=5743]

The apartment price gap drawing Sydney buyers west

A luxury beachfront apartment at Rainbow Bay has more than doubled in value since it sold off the plan six years ago, setting a new local apartment record in the process.

The three-bedroom apartment in the Flow development on Petrie Street, the first of four new projects locally by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, has sold for $7.4 million, after originally selling for $3.27 million when the project launched in 2020.

The seventh-floor apartment, comprising 187 sqm of internal living space and a 54 sqm balcony overlooking Froggies Beach and Snapper Rocks, was purchased by a local family.

The transaction was negotiated by Pezet Matheson director Kerry Pezet and equates to more than $30,000 per sqm.

Pezet said the sale reflected the limited opportunities to buy into the boutique beachfront development.

"The sale highlights the rarity of opportunities within the boutique beachfront development, where residences seldom become available," Pezet said.

"Flow is one of the Gold Coast's most tightly held buildings. Buyers from our database move quickly when residences become available, and achieving an off-market sale at $7.4 million demonstrates the depth of demand for property of this calibre."

<img alt="Flow" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c585b206-2130-4eee-a50c-3f27c51a7c70" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-07-06%20at%208.33.25%E2%80%AFPM.png?VersionId=m3pHRDV62Y3fvN.XQuQHq.52ilTWpRLf" />

Flow was the first of four luxury apartment developments delivered by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects at Rainbow Bay and was completed in 2023.

Positioned on the beachfront overlooking Snapper Rocks, the residence includes three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a powder room and views stretching north along the coastline towards Surfers Paradise.

Pezet Matheson Residential principal Mitchell Lambert said buyers continued to prioritise quality beachfront apartments in tightly held locations.

"Flow Residences offers a rare combination of elevated beachfront positioning, architectural excellence, comprehensive resident amenity and premium finishes, which is exactly what discerning purchasers are seeking," Lambert said.

"The transaction further reinforces Rainbow Bay's reputation as one of Australia's premier coastal lifestyle destinations, where limited supply and growing demand continue to support strong market performance."

Pezet Matheson originally marketed and sold out Flow off the plan, making the latest transaction a return to one of the project's original buyers.

Paul Gedoun is selling his third project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia Rainbow Bay</a>, after recently completing, and selling out, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a>. He has plans for a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/first-look-s-s-projects-proposes-88-apartment-wellness-tower-at-coolangattas-boundary-street">fourth building</a>, 88 apartments on <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Boundary Street</a>.

Rainbow Bay apartment doubles in price since off the plan sale during pandemic

Brunswick West

Brunswick West is a bustling and vibrant neighbourhood that has long been known for its diverse population, rich cultural heritage, and an eclectic mix of cafes, bars, and shops.

Property developer AVJennings, in partnership with Homes Victoria, is developing&nbsp;Harvest Square at 8 Kitchener Street,&nbsp;with the project set to cater to a variety of buyers, offering a diverse range of housing options.

The new Harvest Square buildings will comprise of a mix of public and private housing as a part of the Victorian Governments $86.05 million investment into the redevelopment in Brunswick West as part of the state's Public Housing Renewal Program.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139951 project_image_fid=212688]

The private component of Harvest Square will offer a range of floorplan options in the new inner north community, with a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as a collection of two and three-bedroom townhouses, designed by the architects at SJB. &nbsp;

The buildings have been designed with sustainability in mind and is independently certified to achieve 5 Star Green Star, 7 Star NatHERs, and Gold and Silver Liveable Housing Design ratings.

A liveable home is designed and built to meet the changing needs of occupants across their lifetime. Liveable homes include key living features that make them easier and safer to use for all occupants including people with disability, ageing Australians, people with temporary injuries, and families with young children.&nbsp;

Harvest Square is also an all-electric community, while also boasting an 18-metre wide green corridor with productive plantings for all to enjoy.

Publicly accessible open and green spaces will be developed across the site by Tract Consulting, including a green spine running through the site, delivering up to 3,200 sqm of open space.

At least five per cent of the new social housing homes will be easy to access for Victorians with disabilities, with drop-off areas, paths, lifts and car parking set to be included, in addition to the design of some of the homes, with kitchens, bathrooms and storage set to also be very accessible.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=139951 project_image_fid=212691]

Located just six kilometres from the CBD, Brunswick West is a highly accessible suburb, with a realm of public transport links and easy access to major roads and highways, including the CityLink Freeway. The area is known for its vibrant community atmosphere, with a mix of young professionals, families, and students all calling Brunswick home.

The well-established community also places residents within proximity to a range of local parks and playgrounds, including Dunstan, Jacobs and Montgomery Reserves, along with a plethora of cafes, shops, and schools.&nbsp;

The Moonee Ponds Creek Trail and the Capital City Trail are also easily accessible from Harvest Square.&nbsp;

Construction team&nbsp;Arc3 has been tasked with building the community, which is slated for completion in December 2024.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=139951]

alisonwarters@gmail.com

AVJennings launch Harvest Square in Brunswick West

<html><body>
A high-profile site on a corner position in Melbourne's north suburb Brunswick West has been sold for $1.89 million.  
The sale price reflected a tight 4.6% yield, with the property leased to Bottlemart Express.
The 531 square metre block at 82-86 Melville Road and 250 Hope Street was sold Fitzroys agents Chris James and Ervin Niyaz to a local investor. 
James said the campaign generated more than 70 enquiries from mostly developers and land bankers.
Zoned Commercial 1, the site has a shop and rear dwelling building totalling 450 square metres, and frontages to Melville Road, Hope Street and a right of way totalling 65 metres.
“Developers see value in Brunswick West due to the increased and ongoing development and the growing local population,” Niyaz said.
“The purchaser was particularly attracted to the corner block and value-add perspective, and liked the potential to carve up the shops into smaller tenancies and renovate the dwelling on Hope Street for the short-term." 
According to population and demographics research house, .id, Brunswick West is in the middle of a population surge of 3.68% per annum that is well above greater Melbourne’s nation-leading rate.
James said the ongoing popularity of medium and high-density living across Melbourne’s inner-north has spilled across from Sydney Road and the Upfield train line through Brunswick.
“Residential developments recently completed and in various stages of planning and construction throughout Brunswick West are creating more demand for retail and services in the area, particularly along Melville Road, and the new owner of the property will look to capitalise on this,” he said.
“The property is situated amongst a vibrant neighbourhood precinct, notable lifestyle and retail tenants include Postmistress Eatery, Mister Troung’s, Foodworks and 7-Eleven, and is at the doorstep of the Route 58 tram stop, which offers services running through the hospital precinct and near Melbourne University and RMIT University and Queen Victoria Market through to the CBD.”
</body></html>

j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Brunswick West corner site sold for $1.89 million

<html><body>
It's unprecedented times for Brunswick and surrounding suburbs Brunswick East and Brunswick West. Never before have the trio of postcodes been so popular with Melbourne's apartment builders with 13 separate projects currently under construction.

The yield of apartments from these projects is set to exceed 1,300 dwellings. Brunswick East leads the way with seven projects under construction, followed by Brunswick with four and Brunswick West with two.

Sourcing Apartments.com.au's Project Database, the area is traditionally dominated by medium-sized apartment projects averaging 40-50 dwellings, although the current count of 1,300 apartments under construction is skewed by two large projects which jointly account for approximately 700 apartments under construction.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/image40_4.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Ettaro and York Brunswick West are underpinning the area's construction progress"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="221" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/image40_4.jpg?itok=te8wrDOg" title="Ettaro and York Brunswick West are underpinning the area's construction progress" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Ettaro and York Brunswick West are underpinning the area's construction progress</figcaption></figure>The largest with 400 plus apartments is Brunswick East's Hayball-designed Ettaro which is rapidly approaching completion at the hands of LU Simon, whilst York Brunswick West has seen works begin on the second phase of the project for developer R.Corporation.

Most recent to begin construction have been The Moreland and Protec Property Group's The Dux located adjacent to Anstey Station. A long time favourite of Apartments.com.au, Anstey Precinct as it has been christened is a pocket of Brunswick dedicated toward urban renewal/higher density living.

Joining The Dux under construction within Anstey Precinct are Hendrix Apartments and 8 Bresse Street, with the much publicised Nightingale Apartments on Florence Street set to begin its build. Post its visit to VCAT and subsequent minor design alterations, Nightingale is now poised to become the latest project within Anstey Precinct to offer "delivery of tangible, meaningful, visitable and assessable built outcomes," following in the footsteps of <a href="/news/is-this-melbournes-best-new-residential-development">The Commons</a>.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_4890.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Bensons Property Group's C3 Brunswick"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="380" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4890.jpg?itok=kYDuEGLs" title="Bensons Property Group's C3 Brunswick" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Bensons Property Group's C3 Brunswick</figcaption></figure>Further to the 13 projects under construction, Apartments.com.au has identified a further 10 apartment projects set for an imminent construction start. 

Among them is Alpha 14 Property Group's Crest on Sydney Road, the aforementioned Nightingale Brunswick and what shapes as Moreland's tallest project to date, Brunswick Heart. Set over 14 levels, site preparation for the RotheLowman-designed project is complete with a builder set to take site possession shortly.

These 10 projects combined will add another 800 plus dwellings to Moreland's ballooning apartment market.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_4929.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="MakShaq's 8 Lygon is moving toward construction"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="386" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_4929.jpg?itok=RF9uPV-H" title="MakShaq's 8 Lygon is moving toward construction" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>MakShaq's 8 Lygon is moving toward construction</figcaption></figure>Whilst construction and projects at sales remain robust within Brunswick and its adjoining suburbs, there are signs that the surge in apartments may be slowing.

2016 has brought a discernible slow down in the number of larger apartment projects filtering through Moreland City Council's online planning platform. Indeed scant few new listing within Moreland have been added to the Apartments.com.au Project Database in recent times as developers seem content in delivering on the healthy backlog of approved projects.

With the persistent talk of market oversupply, the easing of projects at planning could also be a sign that developers have cooled on the Brunswick market somewhat given it has traditionally been the domain of smaller sized apartments aimed toward investors and singles/couples.
</body></html>

silvermb

Unprecedented times for Brunswick's apartment growth, but can it last?

<html><body>
When you mention <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-vic-3056">Brunswick</a> to anyone who's from the other side of the Yarra you're quite likely to get a rendition of the Franco Cozzo ad, a massive expletive-ladden anti-hipster tirade or hushed jibes about lefties.

However we need to question how long those stereotypes will last. Apartments.com.au labelled <a href="/news/hotspots-lygon-street-east-brunswick">Lygon Street in Brunswick East a development hotspot</a> in August 2013 and the picture today is dramatically different. Not that Lygon Street is seeing significantly less development, it's that the planning applications are flying in from all over Brunswick and increasingly <a href="/new-apartments/coburg-vic-3058">Coburg</a>.

A quick glance at the <a href="/">data portal</a> for Moreland shows there are currently 69 projects across the municipality yielding a total of 5,575 units across all statuses. 57 of those projects with 4,293 units are located in postcodes 3055, 3056 and 3057: <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-west-vic-3055">Brunswick West</a>, Brunswick and <a href="/new-apartments/brunswick-east-vic-3057">Brunswick East</a> respectively.

10 of the projects located in either of the three postcodes are under construction, 13 at sales, 18 approved and 16 are currently before council. Most of those projects are located on the Brunswick activity strips of Sydney Road and Lygon Street however this might just be about to change.

<h2>Moreland's Neighbourhood Centres Strategy</h2>

The City of Moreland has liberally applied the residential growth zone to many parts of the municipality outside its three key activity centres of Brunswick, Coburg and <a href="/new-townhouses/glenroy-vic-3046">Glenroy</a> and the draft neighbourhood<a href="http://moreland.vic.gov.au/neighbourhood-centres-strategy"> </a>centres strategy now viewable on Moreland's <a href="http://moreland.vic.gov.au/neighbourhood-centres-strategy">website</a> seeks to clarify the council's vision for its second-tier activity centres.

In a nutshell the strategy aims to introduce controls to 11 of the 12 neighbourhood centres in Moreland. The neighbourhood centres are scattered throughout the municipality and include areas such as Grantham and Union Streets, Melville Road and Victoria Street in Brunswick West. Gaffney Street in <a href="/new-apartments/pascoe-vale-vic-3044">Pascoe Vale</a>, Merlynston, Fawkner and <a href="/new-townhouses/oak-park-vic-3046">Oak Park</a> are also on the list of areas where development will be encouraged.

The aforementioned areas come under the residential growth zone and in some part include mixed use and commercial 1 zones.

More than 50% of the <a href="http://moreland.vic.gov.au/globalassets/areas/amendments/amendmentslib-7208/c159/mcc3068-neighbourhoodcentresstrategy_v3.pdf">draft strategy document</a> is dedicated to design and built-form guidelines for the areas where development up to 4 levels is permissable.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/bruns_4_level.png" rel="gallery-all" title="Albert Street, Brunswick East"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="431" src="/sites/urban.melbourne/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/bruns_4_level.png?itok=IZus8DTn" title="Albert Street, Brunswick East" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>Albert Street, Brunswick East</figcaption></figure><h2>Should Moreland be aiming higher?</h2>

Great urban initiatives like <a href="/expert-insights/buying/letting-sydney-road-drown-in-a-traffic-sewer-is-not-an-option-its-time-to-revitalise-the-strip">Revitalise Sydney Road</a> are focused on reconfiguring the look, feel and operations of Sydney Road but is it time to think bigger and earmark sites on Sydney Road for future office-only uses?

Say a concept like that outlined by the Revitalise Sydney Road comes to fruition and the public transport capacity of the road is boosted, the amount of people who will be able to travel up and down from Moreland to the new Parkville Station will increase substantially.

Most of the office space on or near Sydney Road is contained above retail shops or as add-on components to warehouses west of the Upfield train line. A company with a requirement for 1000 square metres of modern office space would be hard pressed to find a site suitable in Brunswick which is curious given it is and will be a natural spill-over area for the biotech and health-focused Parkville area.

In a policy document dated 2011-2016, some of they key challenges for Moreland include 'continued loss of land for employment purposes to residential conversion', 'poor perception of the North as the place for business' and 'limited supply of quality office space'. Perhaps it's time for a commercial development and employment-focused strategy.
</body></html>

Alastair Taylor

Crystal ball gazing: City of Moreland 

<html><body>
Testament to the ever changing nature of Melburnian attitudes and propensity for apartment living is a particular site found in Brunswick West abutting Citylink.  A former industrial site bound by Albion Street, Duggan Street, Eggington Street and the aforementioned Citylink, the massive tract of land has laid dormant for many years, in the process traversing Melbourne's shift toward higher density living.
After a number of medium density proposals failed to materialise, a fraction of the site was finally developed with <a href="http://www.hickory.com.au/projects/olive-york-way/" target="_blank">2-6 Olive York Way</a> completed mid 2012.  Backed by National Sterling and built by Hickory Group, the three building complex yielded 140 apartments and five retail spaces as outlined in charcoal below.
Following a recent planning application submission to Moreland city Council, a new residential development of a comparable land size to 2-6 Olive York Way is seeking approval, albeit at near three times the density.  
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image3_22.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Site overview and project breakdown. Image © MAP Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image3_22.jpg?itok=R7OsoN2g" title="Site overview and project breakdown. Image © MAP Architecture" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
With the land address 1-5 Olive York Way and after extensive pre-application discussions with Moreland City council planners, Equity Properties Pty Ltd have utilised <a href="http://www.maparchitecture.com.au/" target="_blank">MAP Architecture and Design</a> to deliver the three building complex on a land size of 5297m².  Working by the name 'The Complement', the staged development seeks to deliver an impressive 356 apartments. 
Heavy with multi coloured precast elements, glass and louvres, the buildings are substantially larger than that of 2-6 Olive York Way and would easily be visible from drivers utilising Citylink.  The northernmost building would constitute Stage 1,  where 101 apartments are expected with a split of 47 one bedroom and 54 two bedroom apartments.  One bedroom options within Stage 1 start at 44.5m², in isolation quite small yet taking into account the age and nature of many low-rise walk-up apartments buildings within Brunswick West (the majority of which are rentals), these are seemingly within reason.
Overall figures see 190 one bedroom options and 153 two bedroom options, 13 split level home offices monopolising the podium space with only the one retail space identified as a cafe.  One retail outlet seems light for a complex that may ultimately house 500+ individuals, although the adjoining 2-6 Olive York Way is heavy with retail offerings including an IGA; this apartment complex coming to fruition would no doubt be a boon to those retail operators.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image5_14.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The Complement as envisaged from Albion Street. Image © MAP Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image5_14.jpg?itok=mMZ8k2zS" title="The Complement as envisaged from Albion Street. Image © MAP Architecture" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
A segregated three level sub ground car park would cover the entire site area with allowances for 418 vehicles, 414 bicycles and 18 motorbikes. Multiple car park entry ramps facing Olive York Way are surrounded by home offices, with dedicated apartments commencing on level three.  Attached shadow diagrams show that during a winters day no shadows would be cast over the adjoining complex, only at sunset might shadowing become an issue.
Seen below is the landscape plan where a variety of trees, plants and grasses are utilised where possible. Bottle trees and gums will dominate the larger flora generally located in courtyards between buildings.
<a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/Image7_17.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="Landscape plan with site density plain to see. Image © MAP Architecture"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-702px" src="http://urbanmelbourne.info/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_702px/public/pictures/article-images/Image7_17.jpg?itok=N3H6D6C_" title="Landscape plan with site density plain to see. Image © MAP Architecture" typeof="foaf:Image"></a>
And now the crux of today's article, best summarised by the following question.  Is a development such as 1-5 Olive York Way more or less important than that of a inner city skyscraper?
Taking into account that a tower say in Melbourne's CBD or Southbank would hold a similar number of apartments (356), yet would be closer to parks, services, a wide spectrum of retail offerings an so on, why do they garner so much media attention?  The vast majority of Melburnians don't live within the City of Melbourne yet when a new tower receives media attention, particularly from certain media outlets, the ensuing diatribe goes something like this; it's destroying Melbourne's way of life, it's terrible, it's horrible - we're all going to die!
I would contend that developments such as 1-5 Olive York Way are indeed more important.  They may not be as visible as those of the inner city, yet as Melbourne gears up for further population increase, low and mid-rise developments such as 1-5 Olive York Way are paramount in curbing suburban sprawl and increasing urban density in line with the objectives of <a href="http://www.planmelbourne.vic.gov.au/" target="_blank">Plan Melbourne</a>.
If it's lucky 1-5 Olive York Way may attract an article from Moreland Leader and not much more, yet rightly or wrongly apartment developments such as 1-5 Olive York Way are the future and worthy of discussion.
 
</body></html>

Brunswick West

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Brunswick West

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News